OpenAI’s influence extends beyond building groundbreaking AI models – it’s sculpting the future of AI-driven businesses. Through its OpenAI Startup Fund, launched in 2021, the company is making strategic investments in startups that are redefining industries such as healthcare, law, and software development. By directing capital into high-impact ventures, OpenAI is not just backing companies, but empowering them to transform the world with AI.
With an impressive $175 million in funding, the OpenAI Startup Fund is powered by a team of experts in investing, machine learning, engineering, and operations. These aren’t your typical venture capitalists; OpenAI focuses on startups whose missions align with the company’s vision for AI that benefits humanity. The startups under OpenAI’s wing aren’t just given money—they gain early access to advanced models, technical mentorship, and cloud resources, providing them with an edge that could be game-changing.
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Managed by Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, the fund draws backing from significant investors like Microsoft. But while OpenAI itself doesn’t invest directly, the company’s relationship with these startups is undeniable.
From AI-enhanced legal services to next-gen coding assistants, these OpenAI-funded ventures are reshaping entire sectors. Let’s explore some of the most promising companies making waves in this new AI-driven landscape.
1. 1X Technologies (Norway)
Founder: Bernt Øivind Børnich
Founded: 2014
Total Funding: $136M
Norwegian robotics firm 1X Technologies is pioneering humanoid robots built to thrive in human-centric environments like healthcare, retail, and security. The company aims to tackle labor shortages and enhance safety by creating robots that can work alongside humans seamlessly. With OpenAI’s Startup Fund supporting its $23.5 million Series A2 round, 1X is ramping up production of its cutting-edge NEO humanoid robots, blending AI with advanced robotics to meet growing global needs.
2. Anysphere (US)
Founders: Michael Truell, Sualeh Asif, Arvid Lunnemark, Aman Sanger
Founded: 2022
Total Funding: $173M
Anysphere, a rising star in the AI-powered coding space, is developing Cursor, a tool that revolutionizes the way developers work with code. Unlike traditional coding assistants, Cursor automates complex coding tasks like refactoring and large-scale code management in seconds. With over 30,000 clients—including major enterprises and research labs—Anysphere’s impact is already significant. In October 2023, OpenAI led Anysphere’s $8 million seed round to fuel its vision for a more efficient coding future.
3. Descript (US)
Founder: Andrew Mason
Founded: 2017
Total Funding: $100M
Descript is changing the media landscape by making video and audio editing as easy as editing text. With tools for transcription, screen recording, and multitrack editing, Descript serves podcasters and media professionals with solutions that save time and increase productivity. OpenAI’s Startup Fund supported Descript’s $50 million Series C round in 2022, helping integrate next-gen AI tools into the platform.
4. Figure AI (US)
Founder: Brett Adcock
Founded: 2022
Total Funding: $854M
Figure AI is at the forefront of AI-powered robotics, developing humanoid robots like its flagship product, Figure 02. These robots are designed to work in high-demand environments such as manufacturing and logistics, addressing labor shortages and improving efficiency. With a $675 million funding round in early 2024, backed by major players like Jeff Bezos, Microsoft, and Nvidia, Figure AI is set to redefine what robots can do. Its ability to integrate advanced AI models that process and reason from language makes these robots smarter and more autonomous than ever before.
5. Speak (US)
Founders: Connor Zwick, Andrew Hsu
Founded: 2016
Total Funding: $166M
Speak is reshaping language learning by combining AI with real-time speech recognition. The platform allows users to improve their conversational skills through personalised lessons and instant feedback. Rather than focusing on traditional memorisation, Speak’s technology ensures learning is practical and immersive. In 2024, Speak secured $78 million in a Series C funding round, with participation from OpenAI, aiming to expand its global reach and enhance its AI-powered language learning tools.
6. Physical Intelligence (US)
Founders: Adnan Esmail, Sergey Levine, Chelsea Finn
Founded: 2024
Total Funding: $470M
Physical Intelligence is making robots smarter and more human-like. The San Francisco-based company develops robots capable of performing intricate tasks autonomously, from manufacturing to healthcare. By feeding sensor and motion data into an AI model, the company improves robots’ dexterity and adaptability. In November 2024, Physical Intelligence raised $400 million, with major investors like Jeff Bezos and OpenAI backing its ambitious mission to create robots that think and act like humans.
7. Harvey AI (US)
Founders: Winston Weinberg, Gabriel Pereyra
Founded: 2022
Total Funding: $208M
Harvey AI is tackling the legal sector by creating tailored AI tools that streamline legal workflows. By assisting with document drafting, research, and automating repetitive tasks, Harvey is revolutionizing how law firms operate. In 2024, the company raised $100 million in a Series C round, with participation from GV, Sequoia Capital, and OpenAI. Harvey AI is poised to transform the legal industry with its AI-powered solutions.
8. Thrive AI Health (US)
Founder: DeCarlos Love
Founded: 2024
Total Funding: NA
Thrive AI Health, a venture backed by Arianna Huffington and Sam Altman, aims to promote healthier lifestyles through AI-powered insights. Using machine learning and data analytics, Thrive provides actionable health recommendations and automates routine health tasks. With a $8.05 million Series A round, Thrive is focusing on health equity, supported by investors such as the Alice L. Walton Foundation.
These OpenAI-backed startups are pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve, from humanoid robots to legal tech and health. With strategic investments and access to groundbreaking technology, these companies are set to change the way industries operate and improve lives worldwide.
